What Georgia Aquarium tickets cost

Georgia Aquarium ticket prices vary by age, visit date, and whether you buy in advance or at the gate. General admission for adults typically ranges from $35 to $45, depending on the season and day of the week. Children ages 3 to 12 usually cost $25 to $35, and children under 3 are free. Seniors (65+) and military members often receive discounts of $5 to $10 off the adult price.

Prices are higher during peak times — summer months, spring break, and holiday weeks — and lower during off-peak periods like January through early March. The aquarium's website shows current pricing for your specific visit date, and buying tickets online in advance typically saves $5 to $10 per ticket compared to purchasing at the entrance.

Special experiences like behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, or extended-hours visits cost extra on top of general admission, usually $20 to $100 depending on the activity. Annual memberships start around $150 for an individual and break even after three or four visits if you plan to return.

Key Takeaways

  • Adult general admission ranges from $35 to $45, with children ages 3 to 12 costing $25 to $35, and prices vary by season and day of the week.
  • Buying tickets online before your visit usually saves $5 to $10 per person compared to gate prices.
  • Peak season (summer, spring break, holidays) costs more than off-peak months like January through early March.
  • Seniors, military members, and some other groups receive discounts; check the aquarium's website for current offers.
  • Special experiences like animal encounters or behind-the-scenes tours add $20 to $100 on top of general admission.

How to find the current price for your visit date

The Georgia Aquarium website has a ticket purchasing page where you enter your visit date and see the exact price for that day. This is the most reliable way to know what you will pay, since prices change based on demand and season. The calendar shows which dates are peak pricing and which are off-peak.

If you are planning a trip during a specific season, checking the calendar a few weeks ahead lets you compare prices across different dates. Some visitors find that visiting on a weekday instead of a weekend saves $5 to $10 per ticket, even during the same week.

Discounts and passes that reduce the per-visit cost

Georgia residents sometimes receive a discount on general admission; the aquarium periodically offers deals through the Georgia tourism website or local partnerships. Military members and veterans should bring a valid ID, as they typically receive $10 to $15 off. Seniors (65+) also may have access to for a discount, usually $5 to $10 less than the adult price.

If you plan to visit more than once a year, an annual membership often costs less per visit than buying individual tickets. A single adult membership typically costs $150 to $200 per year, which equals the cost of three to four general admission visits. Family memberships cover multiple household members and may be worth the investment if you visit with children regularly.

Some employers, credit unions, and AAA memberships offer discounted Georgia Aquarium tickets as a member benefit. Check with your employer's benefits office or your credit union to see if they partner with the aquarium.

What is included in general admission

A general admission ticket gives you access to all the main galleries and exhibits — the Tropical Diver, Georgia-Pacific Cold Water Quest, Beluga whales, sea lions, and the Ocean Voyager exhibit with whale sharks. You can spend as much time as you want in each area, and there is no time limit on your visit. Most visitors spend three to four hours exploring the entire aquarium.

General admission does not include special experiences like the Beluga encounter, sea lion interaction, or behind-the-scenes tours. Those are separate paid add-ons. It also does not include parking; the aquarium's parking deck charges a fee, though some nearby street parking is available.

Parking and other costs beyond the ticket

Parking at the Georgia Aquarium's attached deck costs around $15 for a standard vehicle, with discounts sometimes available if you validate your ticket. Street parking is available in the surrounding area, though availability depends on the time of day and season. Some visitors use paid parking apps or nearby lots if they want to avoid the aquarium's parking fee.

Food and drinks inside the aquarium are available at cafes and concession stands, and prices are typical for venue food — $12 to $18 for a meal, $5 to $8 for a drink. You are allowed to bring your own food and water bottles, which many families do to save money. The aquarium has shaded outdoor seating areas where you can eat food you bring from outside.

Planning your visit to match your budget

If you are visiting with a group, buying tickets online together before your trip locks in the price and saves time at the entrance. Some families visit during off-peak months like February or early September to pay lower ticket prices and encounter fewer crowds.

If you are a frequent visitor or live in Georgia, an annual membership pays for itself quickly and removes the need to budget for each visit. If you visit only once or twice a year, buying individual tickets online in advance is usually the most cost-effective approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do children under 3 need a ticket?

No, children under 3 are free and do not need a ticket. You will still need to bring them through the entrance, but you will not be charged. Children ages 3 and up require a paid ticket at the child rate.

Can I buy tickets at the door, or do I have to buy them online?

You can buy tickets at the entrance, but online purchase usually saves $5 to $10 per ticket and lets you skip the ticket line. Buying ahead is especially helpful during busy seasons when the ticket counter has a wait.

Are there any days when admission is free or discounted?

The aquarium occasionally runs promotions or discounts through partner organizations, local tourism boards, or special events. Check the Georgia Aquarium website or call ahead to ask about current offers. Some memberships and employer benefits also include discounted or free admission.

What is the difference between general admission and special experiences?

General admission covers all the main exhibits and galleries. Special experiences like animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, or extended-hours visits cost extra — usually $20 to $100 — and must be purchased separately. These are optional add-ons, not included in the base ticket price.

If I buy an annual membership, can I bring guests?

Annual memberships cover the member and sometimes a household, but guest policies vary by membership level. Check the membership details on the aquarium's website or call to confirm how many guests your membership includes and whether there are any restrictions on bringing additional visitors.